Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting in the CAPPS Career Section: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00052030
You may apply to the job directly through the CAPPS Career Section. It is not necessary to apply both through Work In Texas and CAPPS Career Section
The agency is located at the George Herbert Walker Bush State Building located in the Capitol Complex at 1801 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701.
Introduction:
This position will support all functions of the Office of General Counsel including rule making, student complaints, Public Information Act requests, and general administrative support for team members.
General Description:
Performs complex legal assistant and program assistance work related to student support services, APA rule making, and general administrative projects. Primary duties may include: receiving and responding to student complaints, serving as backup liaison to the Texas Register, and supporting the Public Information Coordinator. Work involves responding to student complaints, Public Information Act requests, and communicating with the Texas Register, as well as receiving, reviewing, revising, and tracking agency rules throughout the rule making process. Work is performed under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment under the direction of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, the willingness to learn new skills, and a passion to further the mission of higher education.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
Reviews legal documents for accuracy and completeness; edits written material for grammar, organization, and spelling; and provides other general administrative support.
Assists in managing the agencys student complaint procedures to comply with the U.S. Department of Educations Program Integrity regulations.
Research Public Information Act requests and may coordinate and draft responses for legal review.
Provides research assistance related to legislative decisions, Attorney General Opinions, and opinions from the Texas Ethics Commission.
Assists with researching, examining, and reviewing the accuracy of legal sources such as statutes, case law, administrative records, and applicable rules and regulations.
Assists with the preparation and review of contracts, pleadings, motions, briefs, opinions, position statements, proposed legislation, and other legal memoranda.
Assists with the preparation of petitions, summary judgment motions, discovery responses, and other applicable documents.
Assists with the investigation of matters relating to student complaints; and may coordinate and organize agency responses.
Assists the Office of General Counsel in providing legal advice, counsel, and assistance to staff.
Assists with the coordination of meetings and trainings, and the maintenance of CLE (Continuing Legal Education) registrations.
Assists and coordinates procurement and contract development tasks
May communicate with agency staff, members of the public, other state agencies, and post-secondary institutions concerning legal issues.
May train others.
Performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of office practices, administrative procedures, and customer service principles and practices
Knowledge of administrative, state contract, and commercial laws
Knowledge of document management systems
Ability to work successfully in both a small team environment and in a self-paced environment
Knowledge of litigation processes, and of legal principles, practice, and proceedings
Ability to research and accurately interpret and consistently apply policies and procedures
Ability to understand and appropriately interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, regulations and procedures affecting student complaints and residency
Ability to communicate information ina clear, organized, and concise way
Ability to successfully manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities
Ability to work under pressure, and successfully meet objectives and deadlines
Superb attention to detail
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally
Ability to meet periodic milestones and final deadlines
Ability to maintain attorney-client privilege and confidentiality of records required by law
Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis
Skill in using personal computers, general office software, databases, and online legal research services and software
Skill in conflict resolution
Military Crosswalk: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Legal
Qualifications: Required Minimum Education and Experience:
Paralegal certification from an accredited college or program; and
Bachelors Degree from an accredited college; and
Minimum of five years of full-time work experience as a legal assistant or paralegal; OR
An Associate Degree and a minimum of ten years full-time experience as a certified paralegal or legal assistant
Preferred:
Experience serving a liaison to the Texas Register
Experience handling complaints or similar customer-service related experience
Experience as a paralegal/legal assistant in a state government environment
Experience with the Texas Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Open Meetings Act, and Texas Public Information Act
Experience coordinating responses to requests for records under the Public Information Act
Experience with the rules and processes of the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)
Experience communicating and coordinating filings with the Texas Register
Knowledge of state government agencies and processes
Knowledge of legislative process
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and rules governing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:
Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones.
Frequent sitting.
Frequently works under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
Workforce:
Must be able to:
Regularly, reliably, and punctually attend work.
Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.
Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules; and work extended hours as necessary.
Adhere to the organizations internal management policies and procedures.
Contribute to the agencys performance measures and mission.
Application Requirements:
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Boards employment opportunities website atand#8239;and#8239; Careers - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.
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